1969 YEARBOOK ISSUE
WITH REPORTS FOR 1968
MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
HORTICULTURAL HALL
300 MASS. AVE.. BOSTON 02115
Telephone 536-9280
SPECIAL INTERIM YEARBOOK ISSUE
For many years it was the practice of the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society to issue an annual illustrated Yearbook
which gave the reports of the officers, lists of awards and cita-
tions, committee memberships, financial reports and other
items of interest to the members concerning the business and
activities of their Society. In 1967 the Yearbook was put on a
biennial basis to save money, and contained reports for 1965
and 1966. Subsequently in 1968 with the creation of
NASTURTIUM, the Society's newsletter, a condensed version
of the 1967 Yearbook was printed in a special issue of
NASTURTIUM to achieve further savings in publication ex-
pense. Unfortunately in 1969 due to a variety of reasons, in-
cluding a delay in the availability of the audited financial re-
ports and a serious accident suffered by our Executive Director,
it was not possible to print a Yearbook in any form for the
preceding year. Accordingly, this special issue of NASTURTIUM
contains the reports of the Acting President and Executive
Director, and the audited financial statements for the year 1968.
For reasons stated below, these reports contain important re-
visions of the reports presented at the Society's Annual Meeting
on May 5, 1969. Subsequent issues of NASTURTIUM will con-
tain additional Yearbook material.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
At the Annual Meeting on May 5, 1969, as Acting President
of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, I presented the
President's Report for the year 1968. In that statement I an-
nounced several favorable developments, including a return to
financial profitability of the 1968 Spring Flower Show and that
the decline in the number of the Society's members appeared to
have stopped. However, I also stated that in 1968 our magazine,
HORTICULTURE, operated at a profit after several years of
serious financial problems. This statement was made on the
basis of the interim financial reports which were presented at
meetings of the Board of Trustees by the Comptroller through-
oi ,+ '968, and the complete figures for the full year which were
presented to the Board at a meeting on January 22, 1969. Be-
tween the Trustees' meeting on January 22 and the Annual
Meeting on May 5, in spite of repeated questioning by myself
and other members of the Board, no revision in the HORTICUL-
TURE figures was made by the Comptroller and thus the report
of a small profit was made at the Annual Meeting. Subsequently
the Comptroller left the Society and his replacement, on review-
ing the figures and checking them with the firm auditing the
Society's books, found that the accurate figure for HORTICUL-
TURE for 1968 was not a small profit but a substantial loss as
set forth in the audited figures below. As can be imagined the
impact of this development had a profound effect on everyone
connected with the management of the Society.
An exhaustive search was made to discover the cause of this
large discrepancy, and we consulted both our auditors and legal
counsel. No evidence of fraud or misappropriation of the
Society's funds could be found. Instead, it appears that the
inaccurate figures were mainly caused by the incompetence of
our former Comptroller. The matter was further complicated
by the fact that the audited financial report for 1968 was not
completed until the latter part of 1969. Moreover, it is our
feeling that our auditors were remiss in not pointing out earlier
the discrepancy between the internal financial figures and the
audited statements. The consequence of this large financial loss
for HORTICULTURE, following several earlier years of un-
profitable operations, places the financial structure of your
Society in a precarious position. As a result it has been neces-
sary to take several corrective steps, including the retaining of
outside professional experts to handle the publishing function
of the magazine. With this help we hope to get HORTICUL-
TURE on a basis where it no longer will be a drain on the Soci-
ety's capital funds. In the meantime serious thought is being
given to the future of the magazine, including the possible alter-
native of obtaining another horticultural or similar organization
to cooperate in or take over the publishing effort. While it is
very desirable to provide our membership with a periodical pub-
lication, there is serious doubt whether your Society should be
in the business of sending out a magazine to a circulation nearly
twenty times the size of our membership. Future decisions and
actions in regard to HORTICULTURE taken by the Trustees
will be reported to the members in due cou r se.
In the balance of the President's Report which I delivered at
the Annual Meeting on May 5, I covered several other points
which I will summarize briefly. Including HORTICULTURE,
the other operations of the Society have been operating at a def-
icit. As a result, the Trustees have given serious consideration to
plans for a possible fund-raising effort and authorized the em-
ployment on a consulting basis of a professional fund-raising
firm. The Lavin Company of Boston, to make an analysis of our
fund-raising potential. Technically it is not a part of the 1968
Annual Report, but a related development in connection with
this topic was an appeal to our members in December 1969 for
additional funds to offset the Society's operating deficit, exclud-
ing HORTICULTURE. To date the response to this appeal has
been most gratifying, with a total of about $30,000 contrib-
uted by 600 members. This support gives us real hope that the
Society, with help from its loyal members, will continue to
survive.
Another step during 1968 to help the Society plan for its
future was the formation of a special committee to analyze pro-
grams, activities and functions. The conclusions of this report
are now in the process of being implemented by the manage-
ment of the Society. A further item covered in the President's
Report concerned the future of Horticultural Hall. Continued
occupancy of this building in its present condition involves con-
siderable overhead cost to the Society. On the other hand, it is
a very distinguished building and has an especially strategic loca-
tion. However, from a financial point of view, steps must be
taken to reduce our occupancy costs in order that this financial
drain does not impede the service aspects of the Society. During
1968 our services in terms of the library, classes, workshops and
assistance to horticultural and civic groups have continued to
grow. Other reports will go into these subjects in more detail.
Continued on Page 2
PRESIDENT'S REPORT (Continued)
EXHIBITIONS.
An event which should be mentioned at this time (although
not technically a part of the report on 1968) is the serious
accident that befell our Executive Director, Mr. Lees, on a trip
abroad in May of 1969. While crossing a street in London on
the last day of a trip to Europe he was hit by a speeding auto-
mobile and suffered serious injuries. As a result he has had a
most painful recuperation, including several operations, and at
this writing his leg is still in a cast. I n spite of his disability and
almost constant pain, he has continued to serve the Society to
the best of his ability. Our members should be extremely grate-
ful for this extraordinary devotion to their interests.
In closing, I want to express my sincerest thanks to the mem-
bers of the Society for their interest and cooperation, especially
during these trying times for the Society. In addition, on behalf
of the Trustees and members, I want to express my most sincere
thanks to the members of our staff. Finally, I want to pay spe-
cial thanks to the members of the various committees of the
Society, who play such an important role in our activities. With
cooperation and help from all these sources, I feel we can look
forward with confidence to overcoming those problems with
which our Society is now confronted.
Oliver F. Ames, Acting President
OTHER REPORTS
The following are condensed from reports of various com-
mittees and from that of the Executive Director.
MEMBERSHIP.
Members
Income
December 1968
6,252
$41,963.30
December 1967
6,662
$30,756.75
The increase in membership income in the face of the loss in
members in 1968 is attributed to the growing number of indi-
viduals who have changed to family memberships and other cat-
egories which include family privileges.
In 1968 the billing procedure was changed so that all mem-
berships expire on June 1. Since the Membership Secretary is
responsible for registrations for courses, workshops and other
programs during the fall, winter and spring months, the June
expiration date allows work to be done on membership records
during the quieter summer months.
SPECIAL MEDALS.
George Robert White Medal of Honor to Eleanor Foster Jennings
of Miami, Florida, for eminent service in horticulture.
Thomas Roland Medal to Stearns Lothrop Davenport of North
Grafton, for skill in horticulture.
Jackson Dawson Medal to Roger Gibbs Coggeshall of West New-
bury, for achievement in plant propagation.
Large Gold Medals to:
Harold Dudley Stevenson, Marshfield, and
Mary Hooper Warner, Boston,
for outstanding service to the Society.
139th Camellia Show, January 18-19
97th New England Spring Garden & Flower Show, Suffolk
Downs, March 15-24
Six Centuries of Flower Prints, April 23 - May 12
New England Rose Show, June 22
Harvest Show, Boston Common, October 1-6
Bonsai Exhibit, October 14-15
OPEN GARDEN DAYS.
Chestnut Hill and Brookline:
Concord, Sherborn, Dover, Westwood, Milton:
LIBRARY.
May 24
June 14
Library circulation reached over 5,000. Of this number
1,000 were packages mailed to 37 states and Canada. Books
added to the library through purchase, gifts and review copies
totaled 434. The library also was responsible for the Rare Book
Seminars, and the Flower Print Show reported above.
GARDEN AWARDS.
Gold Medals: B/General and Mrs. Milton W. Arnold, Chatham
Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Copeland, Chatham
Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Ruggles, West Harwich
Silver Medals: The Cape Code Cooperative Bank, East Dennis
Mr. and Mrs. Werner Lieb, Truro
Bronze Medal: Mr. and Mrs. Osborne R. Soverel, Chatham
Certificates: Mr. and Mrs. Silas R. Clark, Wellfleet
Now Voyager Motel, North Eastham
Special Certificate: Massachusetts Audubon Society Holly Res-
ervation, Ashumet
COMMUNITY SERVICE.
Professional staff members continued to provide advisory
service and guidance to community groups such as the Columbia
Civic Association, Roxbury-Dorchester Community Beautifica-
tion, "Summerthing", Back Bay Association and the Norfolk
County Agricultural High School. They also served on commit-
tees of appropriate local, state and national organizations.
LECTURES, COURSES & WORKSHOPS.
Nearly 2,000 members registered for 40 events, including 17
courses and workshops requiring 55 sessions. Nearly all educa-
tional events were oversubscribed. Another 59 lectures, films
and demonstrations were presented at the Spring Show (March
15-24).
PUBLICATIONS.
HORTICULTURE, which reached a monthly circulation
of 114,167.
NASTURTIUM, the monthly members' newsletter.
THE GARDENER'S ALMANAC, 13th Edition, revised
and updated.
Carlton B. Lees, Executive Director
Massachusetts Horticultural Society
BALANCE SHEET -
- December 31, 1968
ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND FUNDS
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
Cash
$
60,864.14
Accounts payable — trade
$ 472,344.94
Accounts receivable —
Employees' payroll deductions
10,310.32
"Horticulture"
$ 22,446.65
Less allowance for
Accrued payroll taxes
1,373.28
doubtful accounts
2,250.00
$
20,196.65
Accrued commissions
3,202.99
Miscellaneous receivables
2,291.80
Inventories — at cost
9,806.94
Deposits on rentals
329.00
Prepaid expenses
39,803.04
Total Current Liabilities
487,560.53
Total Current Assets
132,962.57
Deferred Charges - 1969 Sp
'ingShow — Net
2,526.86
General Fund Deficit
(2,395,727.00)
Investments — at cost
Temporary Funds
23,390.89
(Market value approximately $
701,956.72
Plant — at cost
Permanent Funds
947,354.95
Real Estate
Improvements and
498,564.63
Accumulated Gains on Securities Sold
1,774,866.78
additions
61,050.82
Plant Fund
606,195.92
Library
46,580.47
606,195.92
$1,443,642.07
$1,443,642.07
COMPARATIVE OPERATIONS AND GENERAL FUND DEFICIT
Years Ended December 31, 1968 and 1967
•
1968
1967
Income
Investment Income
$70,751.65
$83,783.53
Less amount allocated to
restricted funds
8,856.10
$ 61,895.55
8,765.93
$ 75,017.60
Membership fees
61,312.70
49,657.25
Less amount allocated to
"Horticulture" for members'
subscriptions
18,794.00
42,518.70
18,900.50
30,756.75
Rentals
20,768.93
20,931.00
Spring Show
8,427.86
—
Autumn Show
(4,644.91)
(4,118.19)
Other Income
2,242.50
2,112.50
Total Income
131,208.63
124,699.66
Expenses
"Horticulture" loss
360,542.23
311,107.85
Building
75,230.21
61,481.19
Library
34,091.95
24,368.04
Less restricted funds applied
1,542.42
32,549.53
1,749.82
22,618.22
Office and general
143,157.04
136,864.98
Miscellaneous exhibition
4,597.94
6,666.05
Other expenditures
Lectures, prizes, medals, and
certificates (except Spring Show
and Autumn Show prizes and
awards)
3,978.49
6,833.84
Less restricted funds applied
1,616.85
2,361.64
618,438.59
3,294.45
3,539.39
542,277.68
Net Loss For The Year
487,229.96
417,578.02
General fund deficit — beginning of year
1,908,497.04
1,490,919.02
General fund deficit — end of year
$2,395,727.00
$1,908,497.04
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OFFICERS
Oliver F. Ames, Acting President
John 0. Stubbs, Vice-President
Frederick S. Moseley, ill. Treasurer
George Putnam, Assistant-Treasurer
Carlton B. Lees, Secretary
TRUSTEES
C. Roy Boutard, 1969
Allen W. Hixon, 1969
Edmund V. Mezitt, 1969
George Putnam, 1969
Mrs. G. Kennard Wakefield, 1969
Russell B. Clark, 1970
Robert N. Elwell, 1970
Mrs. Charles F. Hovey, 1970
Mrs. Edwin S. Webster, 1970
Dr. Donald Wyman, 1970
Mrs. John M. Hall, 1971
Milford R. Lawrence, 1971
Vincent N. Merrill, 1971
Miss Helen C. Moseley, 1971
Dr. John A. Naegele, 1971
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Albert C. Burrage
Seth L. Kelsey
Harold D. Stevenson
Mrs. Roger S. Warner
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Oliver F. Ames, Chairman
Frederick S. Moseley, III
George Putnam
John O. Stubbs
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Oliver F. Ames, Chairman
Frederick S. Moseley, III
John O. Stubbs
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BUDGET COMMITTEE
Members, Executive & Finance
Committees
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
George Putnam, Chairman 1969
Mrs. G. Kennard Wakefield 1969
Russell B. Clark 1970
Dr. Donald Wyman 1970
Mrs. John M. Hall 1971
Dr. John A. Naegele 1971
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Russell B. Clark, Chairman
Robert N. Elwell
Miss Helen C. Moseley
LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Mrs. G. Kennard Wakefield, Chairman
C. Roy Boutard
Gordon W. Dillon
Mrs. Thorvald S. Ross
Dr. Donald Wyman
COMMITTEE ON GARDENS
Mrs. G. Kennard Wakefield, Chairman
Russell B. Clark
Milford R. Lawrence
Vincent N. Merrill
Miss Helen C. Moseley
COMMITTEE ON MEDALS
Dr. Donald Wyman, Chairman
C. Roy Boutard
Allen W. Hixon
Vincent N. Merrill
George Putnam
COMMITTEE ON PRIZES
Allen W. Hixon, Chairman
Dr. Donald Wyman, Co-Chairman
Roger Coggeshall
John J. Hurley
John L. Wacker
COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN'S
GARDEN EXHIBITIONS
Dr. John A. Naegele, Chairman
Mrs. Cyrus Brewer
Herbert C. Fordham
ALBERT C. BURRAGE GOLD
VASE COMMITTEE
Vincent N. Merrill, Chairman
Russell B. Clark
Allen W. Hixon
George Putnam
Dr. Donald Wyman
COMMITTEE ON LECTURES
& PUBLICATIONS
John O. Stubbs, Chairman
Mrs. John M. Hall, Co-Chairman
Vincent N. Merrill
EXHIBITIONS COMMITTEE
George Putnam, Chairman
Mrs. Charles F. Batchelder
Vincent N. Merrill
Edmund V. Mezitt
Dr. John A. Naegele
COMMITTEE ON BUILDINGS
Oliver F. Ames, Chairman
Vincent N. Merrill
George Putnam
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